The Coffee Slips by Charles Lamb
The poem narrates the journey of a Frenchman who, during the early days of colonization in Martinique, brings two coffee tree shoots across the sea. As he tends to these fragile plants aboard his ship, he dreams of the lush coffee groves they will one day produce. However, the voyage becomes perilous as water supplies dwindle, forcing the crew to ration their drinking water. Despite his own thirst, the gardener prioritizes the needs of the coffee slips, sacrificing his own hydration to ensure their survival. His dedication exemplifies perseverance and selflessness, as he nurtures the plants even at great personal cost. Upon reaching the shores of Martinique, he is rewarded with the sight of his surviving trees, which eventually lead to the establishment of thriving coffee plantations. The poem highlights themes of sacrifice, hope, and the impact of individual effort on broader agricultural success, culminating in the flourishing of coffee production in the colony. The gardener's legacy is celebrated by the islanders, who recognize the significance of his contribution to their economy and culture.
By Charles Lamb · First published 1817 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Drama · 402 words
First lines
Whene'er I fragrant coffee drink I on the generous Frenchman think, Whose noble perseverance bore The tree to Martinico's shore.
While yet her colony was new, Her island products but a few, Two shoots from off a coffee-tree He carried with him o'er the sea.
What this Textopian page supports
The Coffee Slips is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charles Lamb, dated 1817 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Charles Lamb
- Date: 1817 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Crime, Suspense
- Length: 402 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Coffee Slips by Charles Lamb
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Coffee Slips?
- How does this short story by Charles Lamb fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Mystery — The title 'THE COFFEE SLIPS' suggests an event or incident which forms the crux of the plot, often typical in mystery novels.
- Thriller — The use of the verb 'slips' in the title indicates some kind of unexpected occurrence or failure, typical in thrillers.
- Drama — The word 'coffee' could imply a domestic, everyday setting, which is often found in dramas.
- Crime — 'Slips' might imply a mistake or oversight, often found in a crime novel where the protagonist fait à mistake.
Tags
coffee · literature · essays · humor · British · 19th century · social commentary · nostalgia · daily life · cultural critique · personal reflections · wit